Local pharmacist warns about the risks of drug interactions

People should be aware of the medications they take and the harmful interactions when combining them with other medications or vitamins, warns Christina Rivera, a pharmacist with OptumRx in Overland Park, Kansas.Surveys show that more than half of American adults regularly take a prescription medication. At least 1.3 million people in the United States are harmed annually by medications, according to the World Health Organization. Most of it is the result of taking multiple prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins or herbal supplements.Many people have multiple doctors, making it difficult to keep track of all the medications they take. That, in turn, can lead to harmful drug interactions. Rivera suggests two ways to keep track of medications: keep a list of medications to take to every doctor’s appointment or take a bag with all the medications to every doctor’s appointment.“That’s a good way to prevent any harmful interaction,” she said.Researching about drugs is another way to prevent any harmful interactions.There are multiple factors to consider when taking medications, such as age, the body’s response to medication and metabolism. Side effects are another factor to consider, particularly when taking more than one prescription. As a tip, Rivera recommends always reading prescription labels.“(The labels) will have the key side effects and interactions to watch out for,” she said. “It’s always good to ask, … and if they feel anything unusual, they should call a doctor or a pharmacist.”Some side effects cause dizziness, Rivera said, which can lead to falls and injuries.“We’re already a little unbalanced, … that gets worse with medication,” she said. “People should always be careful and rise slowly, especially after taking new medications.”Ultimately, Rivera recommends asking questions to a pharmacist or doctor. That is the safest way to reduce risks while taking medications, she said.